Hotel Collection

Eliamos

Kefalonia Island, Greece

Why it made our list: A hillside village of twelve villas above the Ionian Sea, wildflowers growing between them and a secluded cove below. The Kefalonia you were looking for.

At a Glance

Twelve low-lying villas scattered across a hillside above Spartia beach, each one sitting quietly in the landscape. Local stone walls, timber-beamed terraces, rattan chairs, woven textures, polished concrete. The materials feel handmade without being rustic, contemporary without being cold. Beds of wildflowers and lavender grow between the villas. The whole place has the feel of somewhere that has always been here.

The main saltwater infinity pool faces the Ionian with Kefalonia’s mountains rising behind it. Sit there long enough and you stop thinking about anywhere else. Morning Pilates runs daily at the open-air gym, reformer included, the spa has two treatment rooms, and complimentary e-bikes sit waiting for anyone curious enough to explore. The secluded cove below is deliberately unmanicured, the water clear and shallow, and on most days entirely yours. One beach, one restaurant, one pace. Opened in 2023 and already a Relais & Châteaux member.

There is no kids club and no entertainment programme. The villas work beautifully for families with young children who want space and a private pool. Teenagers after nightlife will find it very quiet. Nobody here seems to mind.

Our Take: Kefalonia’s most design-considered villa retreat. Come here to do less. You’ll be surprised how good that feels.

Rooms We Love

Thalassa Two Bedroom Villa

Two bedrooms, each with ensuite and dressing area, a private saltwater pool and sea views from every angle. Good for two couples or families. 143 sqm.

Eliamos Three Bedroom Villa

The largest on the property, sleeps up to seven, with a fragrant garden and a private saltwater pool set high above the Ionian. The one to book for a group.

Dining

Olais Named after the Hippolais birds that nest in the olive trees beside the terrace. The cuisine is Mediterranean with a Kefalonian backbone.

Open for breakfast (a la carte), lunch and dinner. Chef Sokratis cooks with produce from local farms, the hotel’s own herb garden and fresh caught fish from the Ionian.

A poolside bar serves cocktails and snacks throughout the day. Most evenings guests end up here watching the sun go down.